1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV) ~ The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV) ~ The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

Has fashion and looks become the new god of the age? I have often wondered, if Jesus stood among us today, would we be taken by his dashing and handsome looks, would the way in which he dressed, or even in how he looked, draw us unto Him? The Bible gives this description in Isaiah 53:2 (NIV), “He hadno beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him”.

Anointing is far more superior than natural gifting! It was said of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:10 (NIV), “In person he is unimpressive”. Yet under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, Paul, full of the fire and power of God, was a man of whom people couldn’t help take notice. Then there was Moses, who had a very poor speech impediment, yet through those lips, God spoke to the nations of the world. Furthermore, those words are still speaking with a powerful voice even today.

When God looks at us, He does not look at how grand our clothes are, how much money we have, or even what kind of job we have or do not have. God looks are our heart. The Bible says in Psalm 24:3-4 (KJV), “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart”. It is the content of your character, and the attitude of your heart, which is of more worth than gold.

However, even those who appear to be on the outside, kind and nice to all, can be, by their very looks, quite cunning and deceitful. However, the Bible warns us in Matthew 7:15 (KJV), “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves”. This is wonderfully illustrated from the film, The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien. The scene goes like this: Frodo Baggins meets Strider, Aragorn son of Arathorn. Frodo said to Strider, “I think servants of the enemy would seem fair and feel fouler.” Aragorn son of Arathorn laughingly replied, “I see, I look foul and feel fair. Is that it? All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost.”

The Bible says in Matthew 7:16 (KJV),“Ye shall know them bytheir fruits”. I have meet people who may not look much on the outside, but inside they are mighty men and women of God.

My friend, if you were blind, would you be bothered by what I wore, or even what I looked like? Would you not rather be more interested in the way in which I acted towards you? If you think the world has overlooked you because you do not have what they are looking for in regards to money, looks, or prestigious positions in society, take heart, God has not over looked you. Remember, our text for today says in 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV), “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart”. In looking at young David, when the world saw a shepherd boy, God saw a King! The Bible says in Acts 13:20 (MSG), “I’ve searched the land and found this David, son of Jesse. He’s a man whose heart beats to my heart, a man who will do what I tell him.” Let us be men and women whose hearts beat for the heart of God, for when God looks at you, He sees something so precious and special.